Fischbach Alps East, Wechsel

Beware of prone to triggering snow packs

Beware of prone to triggering snow packs

The avalanche risk is generally low. Stormy north-westerly winds and some new fallen snow have created isolated fresh snowdrift accumulations at higher altitudes, which can be triggered as small slab avalanches by even a small additional load. This is particularly the case behind exposed ridges and ridgelines as well as in gullies and bowls. The avalanche prone locations are generally easy to recognise. In most cases, the risk of entrainment and injury outweighs the risk of burial.

Fresh wind slab was deposited on a crust can form and often inhomogeneous old snowpack under the influence of strong winds. In many places, a built-up transformed surface or surface hoar is covered. The connection between the drift snow layer and the persistent weak layer is poor. The nature and thickness of the snow cover, snowpack varies greatly in a small area. There is often insufficient old snowpack.

On the last day of the year, dense clouds will initially build up in the north for some time, from which a few snowflakes may fall. South of the main Alpine ridge, it will be mostly friendly with some sunshine and only a few patches of cloud. The north-westerly wind will remain brisk, exposed and stormy towards the east with gusts of around 100 km/h. It will remain freezing cold with temperatures at 2000 metres between -16 and -10 degrees, at 1500 metres between -7 and -12 degrees.

On the evening of the 31st and on New Year's Eve, some new fallen snow will fall in the northern congestion areas. On New Year's Day, it will be a touch milder with less wind at all altitudes. Areas prone to triggering drifting snow will remain the main problem for the time being.